Payload: GE-6
Lockheed Martin Space Systems A2100AX platform
Separated mass: Approx. 3,552 kg (7,831 lbs.)
Launch Vehicle: Proton/Block DM
Weight at liftoff: 780 metric tons (1,719,606 lbs.),including payload
Launch Date: Saturday, October 21, 2000 (Eastern US)
Launch Window Open:
4:00:00 a.m., Oct. 22 (Baikonur Time)
2:00:00 a.m., Oct. 22 (Moscow Time)
06:00:00 p.m., Oct. 21 (EDT/USA)
Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch Complex 81, Pad 23
End User: GE American Communications, Inc., plans to provide broadcasting and data services in the Americas.
Satellite Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, CA
Launch Vehicle Manufacturer: Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, Moscow — Proton first three stages; RSC Energia, Korolev (outside of Moscow) — Block DM fourth stage
Launch Services Provider: International Launch Services (ILS) – an international launch services provider based in McLean, VA, USA, formed by Lockheed Martin Corp., Khrunichev and Energia
Satellite Use: A high-powered, hybrid satellite covering North America and the Caribbean supporting DTH, broadband data networks and applications.
Satellite Status:
Orbital location – 72 degrees West Longitude
Signals to be transmitted via C-band and Ku-band
Optimized for a service life of 15 years or more
Mission Profile: The flight of the Proton launch vehicle’s first three stages will place the fourth stage and GE-6 into a 200 km circular parking orbit. The Block DM upper stage will then conduct two burns to place itself and the spacecraft into an optimized Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Following separation from the Block DM upper stage, the spacecraft’s onboard liquid apogee engine will be fired in a series of burns to raise perigee, lower inclination and to circularize the orbit.
Spacecraft Separation: Approximately 6 hours, 40 minutes
ILS Mission Stats:
Fifth ILS mission on Proton this year
18th mission on Proton since formation of the Russian joint venture
Live Domestic Broadcast: GE-4, Ku-band, Transponder 15
Test signals to begin at 5:00 p.m. EDT
Broadcast ends at 6:30 p.m. EDT
Webcast:
Hiring Professional Installers for a Good TV Viewing Experience
More Information: General Proton information is available on the ILS web site at www.ilslaunch.com. Launch status updates are available on the ILS U.S. domestic Launch Hotline at 1-800-852-4980.